Bill Passes To Let Courts Hire Collection Agencies For Fines

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) – Common pleas and magisterial district judges would be allowed to hire private collection agencies to pursue overdue court fines and costs under a bill that’s been approved by the Legislature. The bill that passed the state House Friday by a vote of 109 to 92 would apply after a defendant fails to appear for a court hearing on the status of restitution and other court-related financial costs. A Senate analysis projects it could bring in a few million dollars in the short term and hundreds of millions a year after that. Backers say much of the unpaid costs are traffic fines from people who live in other counties.